4.1 A more social European Semester

One of the tools to push social issues back on the agenda is the European Semester. During the previous European Commission, under socialist Commissioner Pierre Moscovici, the Semester’s focus became more sustainable. Member States have more leeway for their welfare systems to be effective, thanks to the additional flexibility provided in the implementation of the Stability and Growth Pact. Social indicators are now better taken into account in the Commission’s country specific recommendations.

For its next steps, the EU must realise its commitments. The Pillar of Social Rights and the UN SDGs must be fully reflected in a rebalanced, forward-looking European Semester. Wages, the gender pay gap, poverty, and the transition to a carbon neutral economy must be acknowledged as real challenges for Europe and addressed in the EU’s socio-economic governance.

Both Commissioners Nicolas Schmit and Paolo Gentiloni have clearly stated their willingness for the Semester to evolve in the direction of a new sustainable growth model for the EU, one that focuses more on decent living, social justice and the well-being of every citizen. The 2020 Annual Sustainable Growth Strategy marks a change from the growth-only focus of its predecessor. A new narrative is taking shape, it will be essential to make sure that actions, policies and decisions reflect it in practice.